Reaching Connecting Growing

Our History

The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a minister in London, England gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.

His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship.

Booth decided to found a church especially for them — the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth's faith in God remained undiminished.

Today’s Salvation Army has diverse congregations, embracing people of all ages, cultures and demographics. In over 126 nations around the world, we continue to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.

Scarborough Citadel Stained Glass Window

Using the colours of The Salvation Army, this window reflects both the foundational truths of our faith and our understanding of community as centered in God and expressed in the Church.

The deep blue mantle speaks of purity and is suspended within a golden yellow framework which represents the Holy Spirit. In the central portion the large, door-sized panel of red signifies Christ's sacrifice and the salvation that is found through faith in Him and obedience to His teachings. The Army drum on its side, our open-air Mercy Seat, is found within this area.

The leaf-like forms that float upwards symbolize the individual within the community and brings to mind Jesus' words: "I am the vine, you are the branches." John 15:5. Extending from the vine is a cornet which calls the community to worship. The crown and the yellow circle above it look forward to future glory and the light of God "...God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" I John 1:5 while the purple and violet blue subtly delineate the cross. The form of this window attempts to demonstrate the connection of faith and the joy of worship within the community of faith: it is about the world of actions which can reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.